One of the mysteries of ancient civilization, Egypt is indeed a traveler’s paradise. From being home to several kinds of animals, plants, deserts, oases, wetlands, and coastal areas, Egypt also houses seven UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites: Abu Mena; Thebes, Historic Cairo, Memphis, and its Necropolis, Nubian monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, the Saint Catherine area, and Wadi Al-Hitan. The transcontinental country is also known for its history and has a lot of historic fables to narrate.
Egypt is acclaimed for its great monuments and pyramids for their architectural brilliance and advancements in every area of human knowledge – arts, science, technology, and religion.
When you visit Egypt, you can travel back to this golden period and relish its great diversity and enduring culture, architecture, monuments, and Pyramids.
Here are highlights of the best things to see while visiting Egypt.
Pyramids of Giza
The majestic pyramids on the Giza plateau, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, are one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt. They are a testament to the wealth of the emperors and are built to last an eternity. The awestruck site, known for its elegance and size, includes a cluster of pyramids that hold the tombs of many emperors and top every Egypt traveler’s list.
Aswan, Egypt’s Strategic Gateway
If serenity is what you desire, Aswan in southern Egypt is the best place to visit. This picturesque location is a great place to explore Egypt’s history. There are a bunch of things to explore while in Aswan.
The list includes a sail on the traditional wooden felucca around Elephantine Island, a day trip to Abu Simbel, a visit to Philae Temple, Monastery of St. Simeon, a camel-trek on Aswan’s West Bank, a climb up to the Tombs of the Nobles, and the list goes on. If you wish to take a break from all the tombs and ruins, head to the Red Sea coast with a sandy coastline. These make Aswan, Egypt’s strategic gateway, one of the top visits on the Egypt tourist attractions map.
Cairo Citadel
One of the most iconic monuments in Cairo and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), is a testament to the city’s defense system. The defensive fortresses that date back to the Middle Ages add to the city’s grandeur due to its architectural brilliance. The fort strategically located on the Muqattam Hills offers an unrestricted panoramic view of Cairo.
Ibn Tulun Mosque
Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of Egypt’s oldest and best-preserved mosques and is known for its unique, captivating architecture. The mosque, made around an open square courtyard, is uniquely constructed to permit natural light to travel through and features ancient architectural techniques of Egypt.
The mosque design takes its inspiration from the Kaaba of Mecca, and stucco designs of geometric and foliate designs embellish the mosque’s arches and windows. A water fountain is set in the middle of the courtyard, dominated by a dome held up by marble columns.
Temple of Edfu
Edfu’s Temple, dedicated to Horus deity, is located on a hill overseeing the Nile river. It is one of Egypt’s best-preserved Ancient Egyptian shrines. It is known for its unique construction with statues of the falcon-headed God and extensive wall carvings that give an understanding of ancient Egypt’s religion, folklore, mythology, and way of life. This Ptolemaic era construction is a must-visit place in the Nile-side to experience the brave ambition of Egyptian rulers.
Egypt offers something for everyone with umpteen places to explore and so much to do. River cruising, shopping, sightseeing, and much more, the country is a beehive of activity that combines culture, relaxation, and adventure, all on one trip. In short, Egypt is much more than just historical treasures, monuments, and pyramids.
